In the summer, with California in the throes of a record-setting drought, the sign that popped up all over the farming areas in and around Manteca caught a bit of attention with the message: "Pray for Rain."

The value of search and rescue dogs throughout the state was demonstrated before Manteca Unified School District's law enforcement and fire service students in the be.tech Academy's "First Responders" program.

More than 3,400 homes, offices, and commercial establishments around Manteca High School were left in the dark Friday evening when strong winds caused a power pole to snap like a giant pencil, sending dangerous live wires scattered on the ground and dangling precariously overhead.

When teachers retire, they say goodbye to their students and to the years-long everyday grind in the classroom, but not to close friends. At least, that holds true to a group of retired teachers and staff from George McParland Elementary School. Once a month, these former coworkers take time out to catch up on post-retirement stories and simply renew close friendships over a scrumptious luncheon.